Everton keeper Turner returns full time to Preston

Everton keeper Iain Turner has elected to sign for League One Preston on a permanent deal after spending time last season on loan with the Lillywhites.

Everton keeper Iain Turner has elected to sign for League One Preston on a permanent deal after spending time last season on loan with the Lillywhites.

The 27-year-old turned down the chance to remain at Goodison Park.

"I think it is a great opportunity for both of us. If you want to work with a player and you enjoy working with that player, they are the right reasons," said Preston boss Phil Brown.

"He kept goal for us very well last year and the only thing that was eluding us was clean sheets. I am now slowly but surely piecing together a back four and hopefully those clean sheets will come early on in the season and we are at the top end of the table.

"Iain has shown a tremendous loyalty to us. He walked away from a contract offer at Everton which was very lucrative, he also has personal ambitions and doesn't want to sit on the bench or be third choice at a Premier League club.

"He wanted to play and I think those kind of intentions, credentials and characteristics are something I am looking for and I want to work with."